than the supply. In the last catalogue were the names of 214
pupils, and of these, more than 150 are known to have engaged in
teaching during the year. In the previous year, out of 240, more
than 175 were at work in the same way. And this number includes
nearly every person in school whose age and attainments gave him
even the smallest fitness for the work. The school term lasts nine
months, and there is but one vacation, including the three summer
months. It is the practice of the pupils to pass directly from
school to their work in teaching, and many have done so for a
number of years, without going home or having a rest. They have in
day-schools an average attendance of thirty-five or forty; and as
most have night-schools, and nearly all organize Sabbath-schools
and temperance societies, it is not unreasonable to estimate that
more than 10,000 people are every season reached and instructed by
the present pupils of this school, while a still larger number are
under the instruction of former pupils. They, for the most part,
find their own places, collect the pupils, secure a building—either
a church, shed or cabin, or, in lack of these, build a log-house or
bush-arbor; and so, all through the hot months, the work goes on
from year to year. The seed is widely scattered, but it is not lost.
This school bears a very close relation to the special church work
of the Association as well as to the general religious welfare of
the whole people. A large majority of the pupils become Christians
before leaving school, and only one or two have been graduated
without giving evidence of Christian character. There has been
special religious interest every year in the history of the school.
One missionary to Africa and several ministers in active service,
caught their inspiration here.
ITS INFLUENCE.
REV. HORACE BUMSTEAD.
The varied and powerful influence of Atlanta University is seldom
adequately estimated by the casual reader. Situated almost exactly
midway between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers on the one hand, and
the Atlantic and Gulf coast on the other, it has an unsurpassed
opportunity for reaching the colored people of the South. Over most
of this large territory there is no other institution of so high a
grade, the nearest neighbors doing a similar work being Fisk and
Straight Universities at Nashville and New Orleans respectively. It
is especially fortunate in having no sectarian rivals to disturb
the harmony with which it is now doing a broad Christian work for
all denominations.
The first and most direct influence of the institution is, of
course, upon its students. An observing visitor, listening to
a recitation, or attending any gathering of the students, can,
without much difficulty, distinguish the recent comers from the
older pupils. In modes of thought and expression, and in the
general bearing, the contrast is usually quite marked. These,
however, are only superficial indications of the deeper change that
is commonly wrought in the entire character. Frivolity is toned
down, carelessness corrected, punctuality secured, a respect for
the rugged virtues as well as the amenities of life stimulated,
and, in many cases, a sober and abiding religious earnestness
developed.
The influence of the institution thus imparted to its students, is
next felt by the thousands of younger scholars whom the students
gather into their schools. So, too, the Sunday-schools and Churches
with which they are connected, and the entire communities in which
they move, receive a quickening impulse from their presence. “There
are three of us in that Sunday-school, _all with the University
ideas_,” was the significant remark of a graduate now teaching in a
large Southern city.
Finally, the influence of Atlanta University upon the Southern
white people themselves has been a marked one. They have repeatedly
and handsomely acknowledged that the success of its instruction has
convinced them that the colored race can receive a high degree of
culture. The demonstration of this fact has an important bearing
upon the whole subject of public education. Not only the colored
people, but the white people of all classes, especially the poorer
classes, will receive great benefit from the quickening of public
sentiment, produced by the success of this institution. The last
official report on Atlanta University, by the Board of Visitors
appointed by the Governor, contains an emphatic recognition of its
very great influence, present and prospective. These are some of
the sentences from that report: “The Board are constrained to say
that the mental training was very satisfactory.” “No school in
Georgia ever had such a field, and its social as well as political
power may become immense.” “The pupils of that school will be
the moulders of their race in the State,” etc., etc. These are the
statements of influential white men in Georgia. Do the people of
the North realize how true they are?
* * * * *
Devotion to Study—Conversions to Christ.
REV. M. O. HARRINGTON, MACON.
Many cases of interest come to notice in connection with our
school, showing the eager thirst for knowledge which these colored
people have. One incident to-day illustrates this. A young man,
twenty-two years of age, who has been connected with the school for
a few weeks, was obliged to go home a few days since, to attend to
matters of business. So anxious was he not to lose his position in
his class, that he started at 2.15 in the morning and walked about
forty miles, reaching Macon at 5 P.M. and this in the severest N.
E. rain-storm of the season. It makes our hearts sad to know of
many who would gladly come to our school, but cannot find boarding
places in town.
The young man mentioned above has since found Christ to be his
Saviour. Rejoice with us! God is visiting us with His Spirit. The
Church is quickened to newness of life, and sinners are converted.
We observed the Week of Prayer; have continued the meetings every
night this week. Some of our strongest and best young men were the
first to start in the new life. All is quiet, but deep and earnest.
* * * * *
ALABAMA.
Breaking Ground for the New Emerson Institute Building.
PROF. T. N. CHASE.
On the 26th of December, ground was broken for the new Emerson
Institute building at Mobile, with appropriate services. A portion
of Scripture was read, and brief addresses were made by Rev. Mr.
Ash, pastor of the Congregational Church; Rev. Mr. Owens, Baptist;
Rev. Mr. Taylor, Methodist; Mr. Koons, principal of the school; and
Prof. Chase, of Atlanta University. Led by Miss Stevenson, Miss
Lord, a former teacher, and Miss Sawyer, of Talladega College,
the pupils of the school sang “Hold the Fort,” “Thank God for our
Country,” “Labor On,” etc., and Rev. Mr. Davis led in prayer.
In the remarks, Mr. Ash spoke of education in its relation to the
individual, to society, to government, and to the Church. Mr.
Owens said that ignorance was our greatest enemy, and that the
building which was to be erected might be regarded as a fort, from
which guns were to be aimed at this inveterate foe, and exhorted
the people to sustain the teachers who were leading them in their
intellectual and moral warfare. Mr. Koons made a few statements
concerning the school, saying that its aim was not to advance
the interests of any political party or religious sect, but to
develop character and cultivate the minds and hearts of the people.
Mr. Taylor said he had been taught that the negro could not be
educated—that his brains lay in his heels, etc.; but he was glad to
see proof to the contrary in the speeches that had just been made
by Mr. Ash and Mr. Owens. Mr. Chase alluded to the burning of the
old Institute, the causes of delay in rebuilding, the fact that the
school was needed now, and the probability that it always would be.
At the conclusion of these addresses, the old men, headed by Mr.
Taylor, claimed the privilege of removing the first earth; others
followed, without regard to age, color, sex or sect.
The new lot is more accessible to the colored population than the
old one. It is known as Holley’s Garden, and has been a favorite
resort for picnic parties. On account of the great depreciation
in real-estate, the property, containing over two acres, and
having on it a house that will serve as a home for the teachers
and accommodate a few girls as boarders, and covered with nearly a
hundred large shade trees, mostly live-oak, has been purchased for
the small sum of $2,800.
The new building is to be sixty-four feet long and fifty-four
in greatest width, and will accommodate 250 pupils, under five
teachers. Many of the bricks from the old building can be used,
since they were not injured by an excess of water at the time of
the fire.
* * * * *
TENNESSEE.
A Debt Extinguisher—The Happiest Girl in the Land.
REV. TEMPLE CUTLER, CHATTANOOGA.
On my return from the campaign in New England, I found the church
in a much better condition than I feared it might be. Except in the
falling off in the weekly offering, I could see no change. They had
been ministered to regularly on Sunday evenings, during my absence,
by Rev. J. C. Irwin, the pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church.
I was glad to find that a good degree of enthusiasm had been
awakened among them to assist in paying the debt of the A. M.
A. The Church had held a fair during my absence, at which they
realized about $20, which they had forwarded to you. The Band
of Hope had sent about the same amount. Then the band decided
to celebrate the anniversary of their freedom on the first of
January—Emancipation-Day—with a festival, the proceeds of which
should be appropriated to the debt. All the colored people, without
regard to church connection, were invited to be present and
contribute to this object. It was quite a success. The exercises
consisted of speaking, essays and songs, and were very creditable
to the performers. The singing was from the Hampton Cabin Songs,
some of which were new to this section. Among the speeches was one
on the emancipation of the blacks, another on the work of the A.
M. A. in the South, which were well delivered. One essay was on a
contrast between the slave and the freeman. Dr. Lawrence and wife,
who were here on a lecturing tour on temperance, were present. The
doctor made a short address, full of wit and good counsel. The
evening closed with a social entertainment. The proceeds, I think,
were about $30, which you have probably received ere this.
The hearty interest manifested by all the colored people in the
payment of your debt is encouraging. If the wealthier people would
do as much in proportion as these poor people do, your debt would
not long be a burden. The Sabbath-school has caught the fever, and,
last Sunday, the proposition was made to send you all the money in
the treasury (about $15); but, on further consideration, it was
thought best to wait until we see how we shall pay for our lesson
papers. You will probably get the $15, however. I hear from other
Churches that a similar effort is being made among them.
In addition to this, I am happy to say that the Week of Prayer
was observed, the meetings well attended, and the spirit of the
meetings excellent. Prayers were made for husbands and children
that are already answered, in a conviction on the part of those
prayed for that they must give attention to the things they hear.
One of our most promising girls, who went to Tougaloo, Miss., a
few weeks ago, writes me that she has found the Saviour, and is so
happy. Let me mention another fact that has interested us here in
our home exceedingly. One of our girls has been very anxious to
get an education. Just before I went North, she asked me to see if
I could not find somebody who would help her. One friend gave me
$5, and that was all. Her heart was very sad when I told her that
I did not succeed in getting enough, but I encouraged her with
the assurance that if it was the Lord’s will that she should go,
He would open the way yet. In a few days I received a letter from
an old friend, whom I had not heard from for years, but who had
accidentally seen my name as connected with this work, in which was
a post-office order for $20. I put this with my $5, and told Jennie
she had better start; we would take this as an earnest of the whole
amount ($60) needed to finish the year. We are curious to know the
result of this venture. One thing we know, and that is, where to
find the happiest girl in the land.
THE INDIANS.
[_From the New York Tribune._]
THE INDIAN COMMISSIONERS.
Annual Meeting—Missionary Co-operation—Interview with the President.
The Board of Indian Commissioners met in this city January 10th,
to receive the annual reports of the several religious bodies
to which, under the policy adopted by President Grant some
years ago, the selection of agents and other field employés of
the Indian service has been confided, and to make up their own
annual report. Representatives from the Presbyterian Foreign and
Domestic Missionary Boards, the Baptist Home Mission Society,
the several Yearly Meetings of Friends, the American Board, the
American Missionary Association, and the Unitarian Association,
were present. A report was received from the Episcopal Board. The
Methodist and Roman Catholic Boards sent no reports, and several of
the smaller denominations having agents also failed to present a
statement of their work.
These annual conferences of the Board of Commissioners and
the representatives of the different religious denominations,
unofficial as they are, have been of great benefit to the
official administration of Indian affairs, and, at some critical
periods, have helped to save the peace policy from disaster. The
Conference this year has been unusually interesting, in view
of the disposition lately manifested to transfer the control
of Indian affairs to the War Department, and of a new class of
questions respecting the Indians themselves, which assume practical
importance in view of their rapid progress toward civilization.
It appears that the religious sentiment of the country, as
represented by those who control and direct its efforts to civilize
and Christianize the Indians, is unanimously opposed to a change
in the present general policy toward the Indian, in the mode of
its administration; and many weighty facts and reasons are brought
to the support of this opposition. The new questions brought into
view, affecting the Indians themselves, are specified in the
following address to the Board of Indian Commissioners, adopted by
the representatives of the religious societies, and presented this
morning:
“This Convention would respectfully express its deep interest
in certain recommendations, in relation to the welfare of the
Indians, which received the approval of similar conventions held
in former years, but which have not yet gained their rightful
place in the action of the Government. Among these are:
“_First_—The extension of law over all the Indians, so as to
provide for the safety of property and of human life.
“_Second_—Legal provision for the common-school education of
Indian children by the General Government, until such education
shall be provided by the several States in which they reside.
“_Third_—Definite regulations to secure to Indians the possession
of land in fee and in severalty in all practicable cases by
titles properly guarded.
“The Convention regards these three things as of the greatest
importance, indeed, as essential to the civilization of the
Indians, and as calling for the action of Congress without longer
delay. Further, the Convention would express grave doubts as to
the wisdom of removing Indian tribes to the Indian Territory,
or to larger reservations, in cases in which the Indians are in
a good measure prepared to abandon their tribal relationship,
and to enter on civilized life. They should, at the least, have
the option of remaining where they are subject to the conditions
of citizenship, before they are compelled to remove to distant
places, at the great hardship and suffering, and loss of health
and life, which such enforced removal always involves. At
the same time, this Convention is deeply impressed with the
importance of all wise measures that look to early self-support
of the Indians as citizens of our common country.
“The Convention would close this address with thanks to Almighty
God for the progress that has been made under the humane policy
of the last few years, and for the evident advance of many of
the Indians in civilization and the knowledge of the Christian
religion.”
It is understood that the Board of Commissioners will appoint a
committee to carry out these views as far as possible, by securing
necessary legislation by Congress.
The following day the Convention, accompanied by the Board of
Commissioners, called on President Hayes by appointment. They were
presented to the President by General Clinton B. Fisk; and the Rev.
Drs. Lowrie, Clark, Strieby and Cutting, and Mr. Tatham, presented
their views briefly. Dr. Clark submitted a paper showing the
progress made under the present policy since 1868, claiming that it
was greater than that made in the fifteen years that preceded its
adoption. The President responded briefly, expressing his hearty
sympathy with all efforts to civilize and Christianize the Indians,
and his gratification at the progress that has been made, and
indicated practical methods to secure the additional legislation
desired. He did not seem to share the apprehensions of his visitors
respecting the early transfer of the management of Indian affairs
to the War Department. Mrs. Hayes, General Cox, former Secretary
of the Interior under President Grant when the Peace Policy was
adopted, and the Hon. Henry S. Lane, of Indiana, a member of the
Board of Indian Commissioners when it was first constituted, were
attentive and interested listeners, and took an active part in the
pleasant informal conversation that ensued. Following are some of
the items of Dr. Clark’s statement:
1868. 1877.
Houses occupied by Indians 7,476 22,199
Number of Indian schools 111 330
Number of teachers 134 437
Scholars 4,713 11,515
Acres of land cultivated by Indians 54,207 292,550
Bushels wheat raised 126,117 688,278
Bushels corn raised 467,363 4,656,952
Bushels oats and barley raised 43,976 349,247
Bushels vegetables raised 236,926 556,975
Tons of hay 16,216 148,473
Horses and mules owned by Indians 43,960 216,286
Cattle owned by Indians 42,874 217,883
Swine owned by Indians 29,890 121,358
Sheep owned by Indians 2,683 587,444
In addition to these comparisons are the following figures:
Number of Indians in U. S. about 278,000
Wear citizens’ dress 112,903
Houses built last year 1,103
Money expended for education $337,379
Indians who can read 40,397
Learned to read last year 1,206
Church buildings on reservations 207
Indians, Church members, about 28,000
Male Indians engaged in labor 34,632
(Five tribes in the Indian Territory are not included in these
figures.)
* * * * *
THE CHINESE.
* * * * *
“CALIFORNIA CHINESE MISSION.”
Auxiliary to the American Missionary Association.
PRESIDENT: Rev. J. K. McLean, D. D. VICE-PRESIDENTS: Rev. A. L.
Stone, D. D., Thomas C. Wedderspoon, Esq., Rev. T. K. Noble, Hon.
F. F. Low, Rev. I. E. Dwinell, D. D., Hon. Samuel Cross, Rev. S.
H. Willey, D. D., Edward P. Flint, Esq., Rev. J. W. Hough, D. D.,
Jacob S. Taber, Esq.
DIRECTORS: Rev. George Moor, D. D., Hon. E. D. Sawyer, Rev. W. E.
Ijams, James M. Haven, Esq., Rev. Joseph Rowell, E. P. Sanford,
Esq., H. W. Severance, Esq.
SECRETARY: Rev. W. C. Pond. TREASURER: E. Palache, Esq.
* * * * *
ADDRESS BY FUNG AFFOO.
The following address was delivered at the last Annual Meeting
of the California Chinese Mission by Mr. Fung Affoo, one of our
missionary helpers. It was listened to with much interest, and
at my request, Affoo has furnished it for publication in the
MISSIONARY.
W. C. POND.
“CHRISTIAN FRIENDS: I was asked to make an address here this
evening, but I have not much to say. I do not know your language
well enough. I have only a few words to say about the Chinese Young
Men’s Christian Association, of which I have been a member about
three years. This Association was organized not quite four years
ago. There are other Chinese Christian Societies besides this one,
in San Francisco and elsewhere in this State. This Association
has now a membership of 131; about three-fourths of the members
were gathered in during the last two years. It has given us great
encouragement, seeing that the work of this Association has been
thus far so successful through the help of God. But I am afraid
that some people would say that, while so much has been done for
the cause of Christianizing Chinese, only so little of the work
has been accomplished in return. But if they really knew the
difficulties and temptations in the way of our people becoming
Christians, they would say otherwise.
“By being a member of the Association for three years, I have
known what their difficulties are. I will tell you a little of
it; perhaps it will illustrate to you some of their principal
difficulties. As the rule of our Association requires that ‘any one
who desires to become a member of this Association must forsake
idolatry and all bad habits, and prove himself to be a follower
of Christ,’ so, when he is a member, he must do accordingly; and
when he does that, his friends and relations will turn their
backs on him, and will have nothing to do with him. That makes
it very unpleasant, and he feels the loss of their friendship
very much; because it is a general thing among our people in this
country that, when a Chinaman first comes here from China, he is a
dependent on his friends and relatives, who provide him food and
shelter, and then find him employment until he has earned some
money; then he pays them back what seems to him right. He feels
it is his duty to respect and follow their advice, because of
their kindness to him when he was a stranger. So, when he becomes
a Christian, he not only feels he has lost those friends, but,
perhaps, sometimes gets a good whipping from his relatives also.
That not only prevents some from becoming Christians, but four or
five of our members have turned back under these circumstances.
“But we make it one of our principal duties to make each one feel
that he has found some better friends in the Association than those
he has lost by becoming a Christian. Not long ago a young man
became a Christian, and his friends, not satisfied with abusing
and jeering at him, wrote a false report to his parents in China,
telling them that their son in California not only had forsaken his
old religion and the worshipping of his ancestors, but also had
cut off his long queue and dressed in foreigner’s clothes. When
they received this news, they wept and made many inquiries, and
worshipped all the gods they knew of, praying them to use their
spiritual power to turn their son back to be a Chinaman again, so
that, when they die, they will have some one to take care of their
bones and feed their ghosts. When the young man heard of this, he
wrote home to them, telling them it was true that he had become a
Christian, but it was not true that he had cut his queue and wore
the foreigner’s clothing, and said that he was a Chinaman still; he
would honor them just the same, and perhaps more. And he has not
heard from them speaking on this subject ever since. Now, friends,
such things as I have said often occur, but most of our members are
firm. When once they have become Christians, they will stick to it,
though they have so many hardships to bear.
“They often encounter some hard questions about Christianity from
their heathen friends, such questions as, ‘If Jesus was the Son
of God and a good man, why did the people kill him on the cross?
People would never kill a good man that way.’ ‘You say, being
baptized with a little water pour on your head, and your sins are
no more. I can take the water and pour on my head, or wash me all
over fifty times a day!’ ‘You say God created heaven and earth and
man, and has power over everything; why He lets the devil live and
lead the people to go astray, and, when the people die, He will
condemn their souls and send them to hell?’ etc., etc. If they
cannot answer these questions, they will ask their teachers or
search the Scriptures to see what answer they can get from them—not
only that those questions may be answered but in hopes that their
heathen friends may be led to become Christians, also.
“We feel we are weak and few in number, but we trust God, and lean
on His strong arm, that He will carry us through. We know that He
has been very good to us, and has given so many kind friends to
help us along; and we hope, through His goodness, that all our
people will soon know that Jesus is the only Saviour of the world.”
* * * * *
AFRICA.
* * * * *
THE MENDI MISSION.
The Church and the Sunday-School.
REV. FLOYD SNELSON, GOOD HOPE STATION.
We had our First Communion yesterday. It was a great day in the
church. All were in high spirits. We received one new convert, and
others are seeking the way of life. We observed the Week of Prayer
with the Church Mission Society, holding our meetings with each
other alternately through the week, beginning with us to-night. We
have a splendid Sabbath-school, and are doing all that we can to
make it better.
* * * * *